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Youth empowerment and social justice camps

Find the top youth empowerment and social justice summer camps and programs

Looking for a youth empowerment camp? These camps, also called “social justice camps,” can be found across Canada and the United States. They can be a great option for teens and preteens looking for a challenge and who want to expand their horizons.

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What is a youth empowerment camp?

Youth empowerment camps are intended primarily for teens and “tweens,” ranging in age from 8 to 18. They offer training, workshops, and exercises in social justice and leadership.

These camps offer programs on a wide range of local and global issues. These may include

  • Poverty
  • The environment
  • Racism
  • Bullying
  • Conflict resolution
  • Sexuality
  • Culture
  • Religion

Of course, youth empowerment camps aren’t just about social activism and education. They can also be great fun! Most also have many of the same exciting activities you’ll find at other traditional camps. This includes campfires, swimming, dancing, music, games, arts and crafts, sports, and more.

Many of these are residential (or overnight) camps, with programs of various lengths, including one week, two weeks, one month, and two months. Some day camps, though, also offer youth empowerment and social justice programs.

Why should my child go to a youth empowerment camp?

Youth empowerment and social justice camps are a nice fit for those who care about the world and want to make a difference. If your child is interested in social issues, wants to connect with a like-minded community, and is interested in new experiences, one of these camps may be a perfect fit.

These camps teach kids important skills and values. This can help your child to thrive in the teen years and grow into a confident, responsible, and passionate adult. Skills learned vary between camps, but may include

Below, we list youth empowerment and social justice camps in Canada and the United States. Click on a camp’s profile to learn more about it, including its location, cost, programming, and session dates. You can also click through to a camp’s website and register your child for a summer session today.


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List of youth empowerment and social justice camps and programs

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Camps that specialize in youth empowerment and social justice
Camps and programs directly below focus on helping kids and teens develop their passion for leadership and social action.
YMCA of Greater Vancouver   
There’s something about camp that brings out the best in us. Whether it’s sailing, hiking or uncovering leadership potential, YMCA's spring and summer camps provide children ages 5-17 with a memorable experience.
Vancouver; Gibsons
Traditional (multi activity)

  • Ages 5 to 17
  • Coed
  • Day, Overnight, family
from $139/session
 Day, Overnight, family Coed1395-170Vancouver, British Columbia, Gibsons, British Columbia
Science and Technology Summer Camps UOIT   
Get a unique science and tech education in this program by the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, including LEGO Robotics, Makerspace, Coding, Minecraft. Girls only sessions, Family Camps, Educator sessions.
Oshawa
Science (multi)

  • Ages 5 to 17
  • Coed, Girls
  • Day, Program, family
from $300/week
sessions & dates
 Day, Program, family Coed, Girls3005-171Oshawa, Ontario
Me to We Take Action Camp   
Take Action Day & Overnight Camp are where young people will discover their potential through interactive team-building, specialized workshops, games and hands on volunteer experience, in a fun and inclusive environment!
Bethany; Corktown, Toronto
Education: Social Justice/Empowerment

  • Ages 9 to 18
  • Coed
  • Overnight
from $1,100/week
sessions & dates
 Overnight Coed11009-182Bethany, Ontario, Corktown, Toronto, Ontario
Camps offering youth empowerment and social justice as an activity
Camps and programs offer activities related to leadership and social activism among a variety of other camp activities.
Camp Can-Aqua   
A traditional camp with diverse programming & exceptional instruction, we believe in teaching kids compromise, patients & empathy. Fun is a given. Through thoughtful & individualized programming, our campers thrive here.
Haliburton Highlands; Oakville; Ottawa
Traditional (multi activity)

  • Ages 5 to 17
  • Coed
  • Overnight, family
from $1,950/2 weeks
sessions & dates
 Overnight, family Coed19505-170Haliburton Highlands, Ontario, Oakville, Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario
Focus Learning Academic Centre   
An enrichment academic learning centre committed to igniting the love of learning among children. Public Speaking, FocusMath, Scratch, Python, Model UN and YoungTrepreneurs are offered in an engaging group setting.
York Mills, Toronto; Don Mills, Toronto; Markham
Education (multi)

  • Ages 6 to 15
  • Coed
  • Day, Program
from $304/week
 Day, Program Coed3046-151York Mills, Toronto, Ontario, Don Mills, Toronto, Ontario, Markham, Ontario
Brain Power Enrichment Programs   
With more than 30 years of success, Brain Power is an innovative leader in enrichment education for bright and gifted students. Brain Power is a transformative model for what gifted education should be about in the GTA.
Vaughan
Academic/Tutoring: Instructor lead (group)

  • Ages 6 to 18
  • Coed
  • Program
from $325/program
sessions & dates
 Program Coed3256-182Vaughan, Ontario
Lakefield Camp International   
Lakefield Camp is a traditional Canadian overnight summer camp that offers various outdoor & indoor land/water sports & activities, from sailing to theater arts, a complete ropes course, language classes & so much more!
Lakefield
Traditional (multi activity)

  • Ages 9 to 17
  • Coed
  • Overnight
from $1,400/week
sessions & dates
 Overnight Coed14009-173Lakefield, Ontario
Outward Bound Canada   
Est 1969. Inspiring, challenging journeys of self-discovery in the outdoors. Join an authentic, transformational adventure to see Canada at its finest, reach beyond your own boundaries, and tap in to your true potential.
Kananaskis; Vancouver Island; Throughout Canada; Grand Manan; Algonquin Park
Adventure: Wilderness Out-tripping

  • Ages 12 to 99
  • Coed, Girls, Boys
  • Day, Overnight, family
from $779/week
sessions & dates
 Day, Overnight, family Coed, Girls, Boys77912-994Kananaskis, Alberta, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Throughout Canada, Ontario, Grand Manan, New Brunswick, Algonquin Park, Ontario
Oneida Baptist Camp   
Located on Lake Erie's shoreline near Port Dover, offering half/full-week overnight Christian camping for all kids ranging from 4-18 years, plus family camp (ages 0-99) and leadership training for 14-15 year olds.
Haldimand
Traditional (multi activity)

  • Ages 4 to 18
  • Coed
  • Overnight, family
from $300/week
sessions & dates
 Overnight, family Coed3004-185Haldimand, Ontario
ExplorerHop   
Where Kids learn about Money & the World. Experience different cultures, learn about Money Management, Open your own business and immerse in fun activities, sports and music .
Leaside, Toronto
Education: Financial Literacy

  • Ages 7 to 17
  • Coed
  • Day, Program, family
from $300/week
 Day, Program, family Coed3007-176Leaside, Toronto, Ontario
Radiant Girls   
A unique Girls Wellness Camp in a retreat setting. Featuring Yoga and Pilates, Outdoor Excursions, Hands-On Cooking, Coaching for Confidence & Emotional Intelligence, Meaningful Expressive Art, Fun & lots of giggling.
Burlington; Hamilton; Milton
Traditional (multi activity)

  • Ages 7 to 15
  • Girls
  • Day, Overnight, Program, family
from $300/week
sessions & dates
 Day, Overnight, Program, family Girls3007-157Burlington, Ontario, Hamilton, Ontario, Milton, Ontario
Swallowdale Camp   
An overnight camp in Rosseau offering adventure and a variety of land and water activities. Our beautiful lakefront camp is the ideal place for children to spend their summer making new friend and learning new skills!
Rosseau
Traditional (multi activity)

  • Ages 7 to 16
  • Coed
  • Overnight
from $1,200/week
sessions & dates
 Overnight Coed12007-168Rosseau, Ontario
Appleby College Summer Programs   
A huge variety of programming options for campers and students ages 4-17. We offer 50+ Camp programs, academic day and boarding programs and travel credit courses!
Oakville; International
Education (multi)

  • Ages 4 to 17
  • Coed
  • Day, Overnight
from $328/week
sessions & dates
 Day, Overnight Coed3284-179Oakville, Ontario, International,
Laurus Summer Camp   
Montreal & Laval's #1 lifestyle summer day camp that blends fun, education and specialty training in arts, academics and sports! Weekly program for kids ages 3 to 15! Registration is Open for 2019!
Montreal; Laval; Beaconsfield
Traditional (multi activity)

  • Ages 3 to 15
  • Coed
  • Day
from $150/week
 Day Coed1503-1510Montreal, Quebec, Laval, , Laval, Quebec, Montreal, Québec, Beaconsfield,
French International Language Camps   
English students learning French mix with French students learning English in this innovative program in the French Alps. Sports and other activities are an important part of the experience, along with language lessons.
International
Education: Language Studies

  • Ages 6 to 17
  • Coed
  • Day, Overnight
from $2,400/week
sessions & dates
 Day, Overnight Coed24006-1711International,
Brentwood College School Summer Camps   
Located on beautiful Vancouver Island, Brentwood College School offers focused camps for Soccer, Rugby 7s, Outdoor Pursuits, Rowing, Rock Band, Debate, and Musical Theatre for kids aged 8 to 17.
Mill Bay
Traditional (multi activity)

  • Ages 8 to 17
  • Coed
  • Day, Overnight
from $200/week
 Day, Overnight Coed2008-1712Mill Bay, British Columbia
UTS: Experience Innovation   
A day camp for high-achieving and eager student aged 9 to 18. The UTS affiliation with UofT means that campers are taught by exceptional teachers, teacher candidates, field experts and university instructors.
Trinity Bellwoods, Toronto; South Annex, Toronto
Education (multi)

  • Ages 11 to 18
  • Coed
  • Day
from $500/session
sessions & dates
 Day Coed50011-1813Trinity Bellwoods, Toronto, Ontario, South Annex, Toronto, Ontario

The Essential Parent Guide to Summer Camps

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